OR, THE DOOM OF TURKEY. BY CHARLES MAC FARLANE, AUTHOR OF 'CONSTANTINOPLE IN 1828,' 'TURKEY AND ITS DESTINY,' ETC. ETC. LONDON: THOMAS BOSWORTH, REGENT STREET. 1853. ΤΟ THE HONBLE. MOUNTSTUART ELPHINSTONE. MY DEAR SIR, It was at Constantinople, and a quarter of a century ago, that I first met you, and had the honour of making an acquaintance which, to me, has been attended with inestimable advantages. I am not quite sure that you regard this Turkish question in precisely the same light as I do; but I take the opportunity of humbly showing my esteem, affection, and gratitude, by inscribing this little volume to you. I am, my dear Sir, Your devoted friend and servant, CHARLES MAC FARLANE. Canterbury, 14th September, 1853. CONTENTS. Important queries. Evidence of decline. Reforms of Abdul Medjid. Degeneracy of the Turks. Vice of intoxication. New military system. Russian war of 1828-9. Military dress, organisation, &c. Results of the new system. Old and modern Turkish cavalry. Bad riding. Cavalry review. Want of good horses. Poverty of the Turkish people. Turkish artillery, &c. Military schools. Extensive cheat- ing. Conscription and its sad effects. The Kurds. Decay of all patriotism. The navy, &c. Falsehoods of European newspapers. Admiral Sir Baldwin Walker. Naval school. Medical school. Reschid Pasha's amalgamation. Turkish atheism. How the Pashas live. The harem system. Turkish ladies. Encampments. Depopulation of the empire. Opinions of different travellers as to the actual condition of the empire. Abuses. Custom- Increase of crime. Frequency of fires. |